Locals who are isolated.

[CantChainTheSpirit]

So I was told recently by a neighbour that there's a pedo where we live, apparently he lives a few streets away and has a sign on his door to not knock. I don't know his story but apparently he's quite isolated, his neighbours aren't happy to have a pedo living there.

That got me thinking about other pedo's in my small town so I Googles my town and pedophile and found a few fairly recent news stories about pedophiles who had been arrested and not charged or not jailed and it make me think about how difficult it must be for some pedophiles in my area who could be very isolated and in a difficult place.

That made me think whether it was worth reaching out to one or several just to offer support, so they know there's a friendly person in the neighbourhood willing to help or be a support network.

What do people think?

[OnionPetal]

In the middle ages, loads of people charged for witchcraft were not witches at all. So first I would not assume that someone accused is automatically a child lover, unless you have heard a confession in their own words.

Usually it doesn't hurt to be kind, but when a dog has been badly beaten for all of its life, it might be quick to bite any hand that comes near it, even if that hand only wants to gently pet it.

So I'd say be kind, but approach with caution and sensitivity. It takes time to build trust. And don't believe every story you've heard about someone.

[CantChainTheSpirit]

In the middle ages, loads of people charged for witchcraft were not witches at all. So first I would not assume that someone accused is automatically a child lover, unless you have heard a confession in their own words.

Usually it doesn't hurt to be kind, but when a dog has been badly beaten for all of its life, it might be quick to bite any hand that comes near it, even if that hand only wants to gently pet it.

So I'd say be kind, but approach with caution and sensitivity. It takes time to build trust. And don't believe every story you've heard about someone.

Well I was thinking of approaching in a very non-pushy way, just posting a note to say something like "I'm a local who understands their struggles and if they want to talk to someone local, a one person support network. If they're feeling isolated or depressed and just want a local friend to talk to and be a support then they can reach me at x." Nothing personal written, an anonymous email address if they wanted to connect. Even if they didn't then maybe just knowing someone local isn't against them is enough.

[OnionPetal]

Well I was thinking of approaching in a very non-pushy way, just posting a note to say something like "I'm a local who understands their struggles and if they want to talk to someone local, a one person support network. If they're feeling isolated or depressed and just want a local friend to talk to and be a support then they can reach me at x." Nothing personal written, an anonymous email address if they wanted to connect. Even if they didn't then maybe just knowing someone local isn't against them is enough.

I think any MAP would be lucky to have a friend like you.

You know the situation best. I don't know if this person has an anxiety disorder, and that's why they don't like visitors at their door. But just thinking of how I would react if someone left a note like that at my door with an email address, I would be worried it's a trap or a setup. So without more details I don't know what is the best way to do it, but something non-pushy, like you said, would be best.

[RoosterDance]

I am in agreement with OnionPetal. That would be a very noble thing for you to do. But also has a pretty good chance of just scaring him away. You should still try though. In trying, you might have high chance of failure, but in not trying you would be guaranteed failure.

Taking steps like this can be hard, but are necessary for building up communities. Which I think is very important in this age where people are so divided.